What is Metatarsalgia?

The balls of the feet are known as the metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJ). The long bones of the forefoot (metatarsals) and the toes (made up of phalanges) form the MTPJ’s. A number of different conditions are known to affect this area.

Metatarsalgia is a broad term used to describe pain in this region (algia = pain). It is therefore not a diagnosis in its own right! as there are many conditions that can cause pain in this region.